Trying to choose between Eastport and Murray Hill? You’re not alone. Both sit close to downtown Annapolis, but the day-to-day experience feels very different. If you want quick access to marinas and waterfront energy, one may stand out. If you value quiet streets and larger yards, the other might be a better fit. In this guide, you’ll compare lifestyle factors like walkability, water access, home styles, and flood considerations so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Snapshot: Eastport vs. Murray Hill
Eastport at a glance
Eastport is Annapolis’s in-town, water-oriented pocket known for a strong boating culture. You’ll find small marinas, dinghy ramps, and waterfront parks tucked along compact, walkable streets. Homes range from small cottages and renovated historic properties to modern infill. The vibe leans lively, especially in summer, with quick access to City Dock and waterfront dining.
Murray Hill at a glance
Murray Hill offers a more residential, quieter feel while still close to downtown amenities. Streets are tree lined with primarily single-family homes on moderate lots. You’re more likely to find driveways, garages, and private outdoor space. It tends to suit longer-term residents who want calm streets and simple parking, yet still want to be near town.
Walkability and downtown access
If your ideal weekend is a short walk to restaurants and harbor events, Eastport often delivers. Many addresses sit within an easy stroll or bike ride to City Dock and a cluster of waterfront spots. Streets can be narrow near popular venues, and parking is often tighter.
In Murray Hill, walkability depends on the specific street. Some blocks are a quick bike ride to downtown, while others feel more internal to the neighborhood. You’ll likely enjoy quieter walks, local parks, and calmer traffic rather than dockside nightlife right outside your door. When evaluating a listing, pay attention to sidewalks, lighting, and bike route options.
Water access and boating
Eastport has a stronger boating identity. Public and private marinas, small commercial slips, and private bulkheads are more common. If time on the water is central to your lifestyle, Eastport’s density of marinas can be a major plus. Factor in practical items like marina fees, boat maintenance, and tide conditions as part of your annual plan.
In Murray Hill, direct water access is less common. You may find water views or access on specific streets, but docks, bulkheads, or immediate slips are not typical across the neighborhood. If you love being near the water but do not need a boat at your doorstep, Murray Hill can still serve you well.
Pro tip: Always confirm whether a slip or dock conveys, if there are shared agreements, and what rights apply. Ask about the condition of any seawalls or bulkheads, and whether slip transfers or wait lists apply at nearby marinas.
Architecture and home feel
In Eastport, expect a mix of small historic cottages, Victorian and Colonial-era homes, and contemporary infill. Many older homes have been renovated with a focus on maximizing views and proximity to the water. Footprints can be compact, so space planning matters.
Murray Hill leans toward mid-20th-century single-family houses, bungalows, Cape Cods, and larger detached homes on more regular lots. Interiors and floor plans can feel more conventional, with room to grow or reconfigure.
During showings, look closely at the basics. In older homes, check structural elements like sills and foundations. Review mechanical updates such as HVAC and electrical. In Eastport, confirm whether historic approvals were needed and obtained for past renovations.
Lot size, yards, and parking
Eastport lots are generally smaller with limited yard space. On-street parking is common, and driveways or garages can be tight or absent. If you picture a garden, workshop, or play area, take a close look at lot coverage and layout.
Murray Hill more often offers larger lots, driveways, and attached or sizable garages. It suits buyers who want more private outdoor space and easier parking, including room for guests.
When you review a listing, note lot square footage, any recorded easements, and driveway width. Also consider local rules that limit impervious surfaces when you plan patios, additions, or new parking areas.
Flood risk and insurance basics
Proximity to tidal water affects flood exposure. Eastport homes close to the shoreline can face higher risk from tidal flooding and storm surge. That can influence insurance costs and the complexity of shoreline work. Murray Hill properties tend to sit farther from direct tidal impacts, though localized drainage issues can still occur.
Make flood due diligence a priority:
- Ask for the FEMA flood zone designation and an elevation certificate, if available.
- Request a recent survey and any history of insurance claims.
- Obtain flood insurance quotes early in the process.
- If you plan shoreline work, consult city and county permitting teams before you budget.
Who each neighborhood suits
Use these profiles to match your priorities with a neighborhood’s strengths.
- Boater and entertainer: You want quick access to marinas, a fast launch to the Bay, and easy walks to waterfront dining. Better fit: Eastport.
- Young professional or couple: You want a walkable, bikeable life, smaller maintenance footprint, and lively community events. Better fit: Eastport.
- Family prioritizing yard and calm streets: You want more space, room for pets and play, and simpler parking. Better fit: Murray Hill.
- Budget-conscious in-town buyer: You want city access without paying the strongest waterfront premiums. Better fit: Murray Hill, while market conditions can vary.
- Investor or vacation-rental buyer: You want strong demand near attractions and the harbor, subject to local rental rules. Better fit: Eastport, with a close review of city regulations.
Touring tips and due diligence
Before you tour
- Pull the flood zone map, survey, and tax parcel.
- If schools matter to you, check current boundaries with Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
- Verify parking and any permit requirements for guests.
What to watch in Eastport
- Waterfront features: Dock ownership, slip size and depth, transferability, and the condition of bulkheads or seawalls.
- Water-related wear: Salt corrosion on exterior metals, deck condition, stair safety, window seals, and HVAC placement.
- Access and parking: On-street rules, guest parking during peak season, and loading zones for moving.
- Noise and seasonality: Boating traffic, waterfront venues, and festival schedules.
- Elevation and drainage: Sump pumps, raised utilities, and signs of prior flooding.
- Permits: Confirm approvals for historic or exterior changes.
What to watch in Murray Hill
- Yard and drainage: Slope, mature trees, and stormwater flow.
- Parking and garages: Driveway length, garage condition, and expansion potential.
- Interior space: Room sizes, attic insulation, and basement finishing options.
- Neighborhood character: Traffic patterns, local parks, and typical street activity.
Market feel and timing
Demand patterns vary by micro-market. In Eastport, buyers drawn to the waterfront lifestyle and marina access often compete for updated cottages, especially when docks or views are part of the package. In Murray Hill, buyers who value yard space and quieter streets may find more traditional single-family options. Inventory and competition shift, so align your search timing and prep with current conditions.
If you plan to renovate, the path differs. Eastport can involve historic overlays and waterfront-specific rules. Murray Hill projects often focus on additions or garage conversions, still subject to city and county codes. Your planning and permitting timeline can affect costs and move-in dates.
How to choose your fit
Start with a simple filter: Do you want the water woven into your daily routine, or do you want a larger yard and easier parking within city limits? If boats, marinas, and waterfront events are central, Eastport often makes sense. If space, privacy, and calmer streets are the priority, Murray Hill may be your lane.
Then, tour during different times of day. Walk, drive, and bike the blocks you like. Pay attention to parking, noise, lighting, and how the streets feel when restaurants or events are busy. Finally, layer in due diligence on flood risk, permits, and any dock or slip details before you write an offer.
Ready to compare homes side by side and map your lifestyle to the right address? Connect with boutique, design-led guidance and local expertise. Reach out to Liz Dooner for a tailored plan and private showings.
FAQs
Does “waterfront” in Eastport or Murray Hill mean a private dock?
- Not always; “waterfront” may mean a view, a private dock, a community dock, or access via a nearby marina, so confirm ownership, rights, and any transfer rules.
Are Eastport homes at higher flood risk than Murray Hill?
- Properties closer to tidal waters tend to face higher storm surge and tidal flood exposure, so check FEMA maps, an elevation certificate, and recent parcel history.
Do either neighborhood fall under Annapolis historic rules?
- Parts of Annapolis have historic preservation requirements; confirm with city planning for the specific address before planning exterior changes or renovations.
How do property taxes compare between the two areas?
- Both are within Annapolis/Anne Arundel jurisdictions; tax bills vary by assessed value, so use the county property search for parcel-specific details.
Are short-term rentals allowed near downtown Annapolis?
- Rules vary by city ordinance and any condo or marina documents, so review current local regulations and community guidelines before you buy or rent out a home.
